Good afternoon. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Nerysoo.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. In July, Madam Speaker, we released a paper called Creating Choices: Solving the Income Support Puzzle, which emphasized the need for reform of our income support programs and to link income support programs to jobs and training, so that we could make the best use of available money. We have stated that we wanted to put a northern face on the national reform of social assistance and unemployment programs. We want to show leadership in this necessary reform effort and shift the focus of income support towards more community responsibility and choice. We also know that people want to see all of these programs available in one office, and Cabinet has given my department authority to negotiate a three-year labour force agreement, with the support of the federal government, which would help make that happen.

Further, Madam Speaker, in early August, the Honourable Ethel Blondin, Minister of State and myself, announced a two-year, $8 million cost-shared pilot program aimed at career counselling, job preparation, skill training and community works projects for employables on social assistance.

Madam Speaker, on Wednesday, October 5th, the Minister of Human Resources Development Canada, the Honourable Lloyd Axworthy, released a discussion paper on Improving Social Security Reform in Canada. The three main objectives of the reform being proposed are: helping Canadians find and keep employment; providing support for those most vulnerable; and, ensuring programs are fair, affordable and effective. The paper sets out what the federal government sees as the major issues and challenges for social security across Canada and emphasizes options for reform in three areas: working, learning and security.

This paper will be used by Minister Axworthy's department and the Standing Committee on Human Resources Development as the basis for public consultation over the next few months. Madam Speaker, I have already written the committee chair and invited the committee to visit and consult with people in the north. The federal government expects that the committee will report on the consultation in February, 1995, after which there would be formal discussions between federal, provincial and territorial governments. They anticipate that federal social security reform legislation will be introduced in the spring or fall of 1995.

The focus of this paper is on reforming federal programs: unemployment insurance; federal support for employment such as the Canadian jobs strategy program; support for post-secondary education through transfers to provinces and territories; the Canada student loans program, the Canada assistance plan; child benefits; and, vocational rehabilitation of disabled persons program. The paper emphasizes that reform is essential, given the fiscal realities facing governments in Canada. It states that there will not be any new money for new programs and that existing expenditures must be brought under control, and in some cases reduced.

To meet the objective of helping people find and keep jobs, the federal government is proposing that Canada needs to enhance career assessment and counselling, provide better labour market information and improve basic skill training. The paper says that employers have to play a greater role in training and we have to be innovative in our approaches. It also states that community and local needs have to be recognized, and that we have to eliminate inefficiencies and provide single-window offices for UI, training, social assistance and other labour market programs.

The federal paper also talks about designing a new employment insurance program which would provide basic insurance for occasional claimants and adjustment insurance for frequent claimants. It suggests a pilot approach to improve coverage of non-standard work and discusses questions regarding premium reduction and premium rebates for training.

To meet the needs of working parents, the federal government proposes to improve the access to child care. Federal officials have already had preliminary discussions with my department about our early childhood program and possibilities for increased federal support in the future.

The paper also recognizes that lifelong learning is key to economic success, and suggests possible approaches to maintaining a stable level of support for post-secondary education. It identifies school to work transition, making learning more portable, and taking full advantage of new learning technologies as ways of encouraging learning.

The federal government is also recognizing society's commitment to take care of the most vulnerable in society. As a result, they propose in this paper to remove barriers to work while ensuring support for persons unable to work. They are proposing to provide better support for low-income families with children, and increased access to employment services for people receiving social assistance.

Above all, the federal government is announcing that reform is essential and will occur. Last February, the federal budget included measures to reduce UI spending by $2.4 billion annually and noted that further significant savings in UI spending would result from social security reform. It has advised that social assistance payments will be capped, which will reduce payments to our government of an estimated $3 million over the next two years. The paper also proposes to cap financing for post-secondary education, which will result in increased tuition fees and the cost of education. However, the good news is that the federal government has committed to work with the provinces and territories to develop a process for discussions on social security reform. They want to enable governments to move forward with reform when the consultation is completed.

Income support reform is critical in the Northwest Territories, and we are developing an approach which recognizes the needs and priorities of people in communities. I will be tabling our government's discussion document and providing MLAs with a copy of the federal paper early next week. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Nerysoo.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I am pleased to inform you and the Members of this House, that I have today conveyed the report of the Mine Occupational Health and Safety Board on Bill 5, Mine Health and Safety Act, to the honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. Gargan, in his capacity as chairperson of the Standing Committee on Legislation.

Members of this House will know that the Standing Committee on Legislation held hearings on Bill 5 and at the conclusion of those hearings, recommended that I immediately convene the Mine Occupational Health and Safety Board to review Bill 5 and the transcripts of the public hearings. And further, that I provide the standing committee with the report of the Mine Occupational Health and Safety Board by October 10, 1994.

Madam Speaker, on receipt of the standing committee's recommendation, I immediately appointed four new members to the Mine Occupational Health and Safety Board. Those members are Mr. Andrew King, representing workers from the national office of the United Steelworkers of America; Mr. Lance Flewellyn, represent management from Royal Oak Mines; and, two members knowledgeable in mining, Mr. Peter Sangris, a miner resident in Dettah and Mr. Jim Marshall from Strathcona Mineral Services Ltd., Nanisivik Mines. The chairman, pursuant to the provisions of the Mining Safety Act is the chief inspector of mine safety, Mr. Dave Turner.

I am delighted to report that the Mine Occupational Health and Safety Board immediately met, and the resulting report on Bill 5 is unanimous in recommending the bill, with a few minor amendments, which I strongly support.

With your indulgence, Madam Speaker, and honourable Members, I wish to give full credit to Mr. Gargan and the Members of the standing committee and its staff, for the remarkable care and attention they demonstrated in their review of Bill 5. They provided me with wise counsel and this has resulted, I believe, in the fine quality of legislation which will, I hope, shortly come before this House for your consideration. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Member for Baffin Central, Ms. Mike.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to take this opportunity to inform the Members of this House about a positive initiative the Department of Municipal and Community Affairs has been part of to promote and encourage community government in the north.

Last week was community government week, from September 26th to October 2nd. Each year, the department, in association with the NWT Association of Municipalities and the Association of Municipal Administrators, team up to promote events for this week.

This year, the theme for community government week was developing an enterprising spirit. We selected the theme to highlight and pay special tribute to local organizations, clubs, private entrepreneurs, development corporations who improve the quality of life in their community with innovative solutions to stimulate the local economy.

Madam Speaker, it is extremely important that we continue to endorse community-based activities, new economic ventures, the creation of new community transfer initiatives and foster positive intergovernmental relationships with one another. And one way of doing that is to encourage municipal councils, local groups and organizations to devote one week every year to reflect on the tremendous amount of progress our communities are making in controlling their future.

Communities from east and west participated. To highlight just a few activities:

- Most communities held an open house of their community offices and offered tours of other community facilities;

- In Coppermine, a presentation was made to the school children on the roles and responsibilities of council and 257 people turned out for the open house and tour of facilities.

- Clyde River council had a phone-in show on the local radio station each evening which was so successful a public display of council activities is being planned for the offices.

- Cape Dorset held a variety of activities to familiarize residents and school students on the expanded community responsibilities as a result of this government's community transfer process.

- Iqaluit held radio quizzes about the community and offered donated prizes.

- Igloolik had a community parade, feast and poster contest for children.

- In Aklavik, students and residents attended open houses at the hamlet office and firehall, and rides on the fire truck were highlights for most children.

-Yellowknife sponsored guided tours of all city facilities and worked closely with the local chamber of commerce and the Yellowknife economic development authority.

- School students visited the town's office in Norman Wells and community staff visited students in their classrooms to talk about community government.

Community government week has indeed been a special opportunity to celebrate the achievements of each community government of the Northwest Territories.

In closing, I would like to thank the NWT Association of Municipalities and executive director, Yvette Bungay, and the Association of Municipal Administrators of the NWT representative Joe Kronstal, from the city of Yellowknife, who worked countless hours with the staff from MACA and Education, Culture and Employment to make community government week an outstanding success. Thank you.

---Applause

Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' statements. The honourable Member for Mackenzie Delta, Mr. Nerysoo.

Madam Speaker, as we know, this is literacy week. The week provides an opportunity to think about the importance of literacy in our day-to-day lives and the role it plays in strengthening our society. The ability to read and write is essential to prepare for a job and is the first step in lifelong learning and education.

Language also plays an important role in maintaining culture. Literacy in our aboriginal languages is critical if we are to maintain our values and traditions and ensure our languages have a valid place within northern society.

The NWT Literacy Council has made great strides in promoting literacy in all our official languages. This year they have embarked on two innovative publishing projects, one in the Dogrib language and one in Inuktitut. Efforts such as these ensure that our aboriginal languages remain vital.

During literacy week, we have an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of individuals whose dedication to literacy makes them role models for their communities.

Each year, we recognize those who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to improving their personal level of literacy or who have worked to promote and foster literacy within their community.

Today, I am pleased to announce this year's recipients of the literacy recognition awards. Five individuals from across the Northwest Territories are being recognized.

First, I wish to honour two women nominated by the Rankin Inlet community learning centre staff, Margaret Kannak and Pat Aklunark. I had the privilege of presenting these awards in person at the recent opening of the new community learning centre in Rankin Inlet.

Margaret Kannak is being recognized for her dedication and perseverance in overcoming extraordinary challenges to complete the Adult Basic Education English curriculum. She is a source of inspiration for others in her community who wish to complete their education.

Pat Aklunark is being recognized for her work as the student coordinator for three highly successful AIDS awareness plays which toured communities in the Keewatin region. She has also made remarkable gains in her personal level of literacy and has encouraged others to pursue their education. Pat is an excellent role model and has demonstrated leadership through her work at the Community Learning Centre.

The Colville Lake School nominated Edward Oudzi for his efforts in continuing the Hareskin language program at the school. Despite being hearing impaired, Edward has successfully maintained the students' interest in learning their dialect. His remarkable courage and caring make him a strong role model in the community of Colville Lake.

Gord McSwain of Yellowknife was nominated by the Tree of Peace Friendship Centre for his exemplary efforts as a student in the adult education program. Gord has greatly improved his reading and writing skills over the past year and has stated that he is looking forward to reading with his new son. He has demonstrated a commitment to improving his level of literacy as well as that of his family. Gord provides an excellent example to his peers, both at the Tree of Peace and in the larger community.

Finally, I am honoured to recognize Edna Elias of Cambridge Bay for her work on behalf of literacy, throughout the Northwest Territories. Edna was nominated by the Northwest Territories Literacy Council, the organization she founded and served as its first president. Edna has demonstrated a commitment to the cause of literacy as both a dedicated learner and a facilitator of other people's learning. As I indicated, these are people who are excellent role models and I want to congratulate them as being this year's recipients for awards. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

Thank you. Item 2, Ministers' statements. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Kitikmeot, Mr. Ng.

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Baffin South, Mr. Pudlat.

(Translation). Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise today to present to you my Member's statement. I, myself, have come into this world through midwifery practices. I'm probably not the only person who has come into this world like this. I was requested by the Baffin Regional Health Board to bring this to your attention. Midwifery has been a practice of the Inuit communities for a long time. I think it's a known fact that midwifery can be successful in some communities. I think in the other communities in the Keewatin region, midwifery has been practised and also it has been practised in the Northern Quebec communities.

I think we have to plan to have midwifery in other parts of the north such the Baffin Region. Madam Speaker, I think we have to plan ahead for midwifery to take place in other parts of the northern communities. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Tu Nedhe, Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. It is with a great deal of pleasure that I rise today to congratulate the newly-elected chief and band council in Fort Resolution. Yesterday, the community elected Mr. Don Balsillie as their chief and Robert Sayine, Danny Beaulieu, Paul Boucher, Louis Balsillie, and Laura Edjericon as their team of councillors.

I have spoken to the new chief and he is committed to ensuring that the community works together through consolidation. He intends to develop a workplan to address the concerns and priorities, working towards and with involvement of the whole community, his open-door policy will ensure the common goals are both attainable and met. I am committed to working with Don and the council for the benefit of all our constituents.

Finally, I would like to express my appreciation to the out-going Chief Bernadette Unka for her hard work and dedication over the past six years. Also a sincere thank you to the councillors who served under Bernadette for a job well done. Thank you.

---Applause

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Aivilik, Mr. Arvaluk.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Sorry, Madam Speaker; I think I'm the first one to make that mistake. I apologize for not being in the House yesterday, but I was required to be in my home community of Coral Harbour to deal with an urgent issue.

I will not go into details of the situation, but simply inform this House that it has to do with the serious breakdown in communication and an unacceptable working relationship between the residents of Coral Harbour and the personnel of the local RCMP detachment.

I attended the meetings with the hamlet council and the public earlier on, senior officials of the Department of Justice and the RCMP G Division headquarters in an attempt to find a solution to some very serious and complicated issues. I am happy to report that the situation was resolved to the satisfaction of the parties involved, thanks to the effort and determination of the community members, RCMP and the Department of Justice.

One RCMP member has already left the community and the Justice of the Peace resigned on Tuesday. Especially recognizing and respecting community government week, this goes to show our respective constituencies that if community members are involved in trying to resolve issues that affect them, problems will be dealt with effectively and efficiently. Qujannamiik.

Hear, hear.

---Applause

Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Natilikmiot, Mr. Ningark.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, I stand before this House with mixed feelings as I make this statement. I am sad because of a tragedy that happened 22 years ago. On the other hand, I am very honoured to make this statement because a young boy is finally recognized.

Madam Speaker, it was 22 years ago when a young Inuk boy heroically saved the life of injured bush pilot Martin Hartwell. This young 14-year-old boy was David Kootook from Taloyoak.

If Members will recall, David Kootook was being flown to the hospital in Yellowknife from Cambridge Bay, suffering from severe stomach pains. The plane crashed approximately 415 kilometres north of Yellowknife. Even though he was in great pain, David Kootook cared for the injured pilot for 23 days before giving way to hunger. After 22 years, I am honoured to say, Madam Speaker, that David Kootook has finally been recognized. He is recognized for thinking of others before himself and for his determination. His actions bring honour to us all.

On September 30th, an awards ceremony was held at Le Citadel in Quebec City. His mother, Mabel Kootook, and his young brother, Kovalaq, received the meritorious service cross on his behalf. The meritorious service cross award honours the performance of a deed or activity performed in a highly professional manner or of a very high standard that brings benefit and honour to Canada.

David Kootook is a hero, Madam Speaker, but his award is more than one boy's achievement. His courage and resolve will light the way for all Canadians. His humanity is a symbol by which we can all strive to better ourselves and our treatment of our fellow men. Thank you.

---Applause

Thank you. Item 3, Member's statements. The honourable Member for Amittuq, Mr. Allooloo.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. As the Minister of Culture has said, this week has been proclaimed as literacy week by the NWT Literacy Council, with much participation by other community groups and government. The theme this year is "reading can take you anywhere."

Last year, 26 communities were involved with over 8,500 readers registering. Colville Lake had the highest rate of participation, with 100 per cent of the people in the community participating.

Individual communities have also planned activities. For example, in my community of Igloolik, the school has obtained some of the old pictures...

Excuse me.

Madam Speaker, I seek unanimous consent to continue my statement.

The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to continue with his statement. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Please proceed, Mr. Allooloo.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Thank you, colleagues. The school children are writing stories based on these pictures. The elders are being invited to the school to view the pictures, hear the stories and discuss them with the students. In Hay River, October 4th was a turn-off-the-TV-and-read day. I'm sure our colleague, Mr. Pollard, did not have his TV on. The community was challenged to go for an entire day without watching television. They also had storytelling and author visits at the public library.

---Applause

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Antoine.

Mahsi, Madam Speaker. The Government of the Northwest Territories has faced extraordinary financial pressures over the last two years. This summer, for example, was another bad year for forest fires. The work done to manage these fires is going to cost more than $20 million, over and above what was estimated. In addition to that, Madam Speaker, the federal government continues to reduce funding support to the Northwest Territories in a number of areas. One of the most important areas of funding cuts is support for housing. These are just a few of the many financial pressures that we face.

However, even though I recognize these pressures, I feel strongly that our government cannot afford to accumulate a deficit. Most of the funding required to meet the needs of our citizens comes from the federal government. The revenue that we raise on our own, given the present financial arrangements with the federal government, is quite small. We have little room to move. If we do get into a deficit position, it will be very hard to recover. We will be caught in a trap. On the one hand, we will have to use our scarce resources to pay off the debt and, on the other hand, we will not be able to respond to the basic needs of our people.

I recognize, Madam Speaker, that it is a delicate balance, but it is a balance that we must find. We need to consider, very seriously, what our priorities are, what is most important to our people. We need to find ways to meet these needs in new and innovative ways. Our current means of providing public services are very expensive. We can no longer afford to provide services in the same way. Mahsi, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Deh Cho, Mr. Gargan.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, last summer while travelling on the Mackenzie River to Fort Norman for the Dene National Assembly, we ran into thick smoke from forest fires around the area. The smoke was so thick, in fact, we couldn't see the buoys or markers, and at times were lost. This could have been a tragedy, as well as embarrassing to myself as an aboriginal person if we, in fact, did get lost.

This year on July 25th, we were on a trip to Lutsel K'e. There were five fires burning near the community also producing heavy smoke. I understand that some trappers' cabins were lost in these fires.

Madam Speaker, this September 16th, while travelling from Fort Providence to Yellowknife by airplane, I noticed several fires; one north of the Horn Plateau which was putting up enough smoke to rival the fires in Kuwait. The other one I noticed was 30 miles south of White Point Beach. In the morning it was smouldering. By the time we returned in the evening, it was out of control.

We all know this was a bad year for forest fires, but it seems under the present policy of forest fighting management, a lot of Dene land is literally going up in smoke.

Madam Speaker, I understand that we do not have the resources to fight every single forest fire. But when the government decides which fires to fight, they have to look at all lands as being important because all lands are important to the Dene.

I also believe, Madam Speaker, that the government should implement a policy restricting development in burned-out areas in order to give reforestation a chance. Under no circumstances should this government allow exploration or development in those areas. Just because a piece of land is important to exploration companies or other commercial interests, doesn't mean it is more important than other areas. The government has to remember to look at the bigger picture and not just worry about the possibility of losing tax revenues. Don't forget there are still more traplines operating in the north than diamond mines. Mahsi cho.

---Applause

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Iqaluit, Mr. Patterson.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, the citizens of Iqaluit are very concerned about smuggling and trafficking in alcohol and drugs and related crimes in their community. But, Iqaluit is not alone. If we took a close look, we would find that every one of our communities has these kinds of problems and young people are often the first victims.

Today, I wish to commend the people of Iqaluit for having the courage and convictions to actually do something about these problems. This spring, local citizens became outraged about criminal acts they believed were associated with a certain pool hall and video arcade and the homes of some of its proprietors. Citizens became concerned that the establishment and people associated with its operation were engaged in trafficking of alcohol and drugs, sexual exploitation of minors

and other crimes including intimidation, threats, assaults and mischief.

Early in July, several parents took matters into their own hands and entered a local residence to rescue their juvenile daughters. That event resulted in a spontaneous protest of about 45 peaceful but angry citizens at the local arcade. The following weekend, a peaceful rally which ended up at the same location attracted some 500 local citizens, Inuit and non-Inuit alike, including many young people. And this in the middle of summer.

Madam Speaker, I have not seen such a unanimous outpouring of public concern since the citizens' movement forced the closure to over-the-counter sales at the Iqaluit liquor store in 1976. I am proud of the citizens of Iqaluit for so strongly pressing for actions against a small minority of people from the south who were preying on the vulnerable youth of Iqaluit. It is especially inspiring that the citizens' committee achieved immediate results. The arcade was promptly closed. One of the proprietors was evicted by a local landlord, and shortly after left town.

I applaud the actions and concerns of this citizens' group. Actions and concern like this are essential if the police are to do their jobs with the limited resources they have in Iqaluit. For my part, I will be encouraging our Minister of Justice...

Excuse me, Mr. Patterson.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. May I request consent to briefly conclude my statement? Thank you.

The honourable Member is seeking unanimous consent to continue. Are there any nays? There are no nays. Continue, Mr. Patterson.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. As I was saying, for my part, I will be encouraging our Minister of Justice to continue to press for more federal support for anti-drug and anti-smuggling resources in Iqaluit. I am also committed to working closely with the citizens' committee and the youth of Iqaluit who have been inspired to organize a youth group to support youth in conflict.

I hope other communities will also be encouraged to show this kind of concern, as I understand Snowdrift has recently done. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Inuvik, Mr. Koe.

Mahsi, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, today I wish to let my colleagues know about another joyous event that happened in Inuvik on September 30th. On that day, Madam Premier and myself were participants in the grand reopening of the Inuvik Women's Transition House. This house is set up as a shelter for women, for children and for elders who have been abused or are in trouble.

Madam Speaker, the event was quite happy in that it showed again the spirit and cooperation of the citizens of Inuvik in coming together and putting together a plan of action and doing it, then following up on that plan, to reorganize and restructure a transition house that six months ago was in deep financial trouble, deep management trouble.

One of the funny events at the grand opening was, at these types of things with buildings involved, there is usually a ribbon cutting ceremony. The two individuals who were chosen to cut the ribbon were the Premier and Jessie Colton who is the executive director of the house. But instead of using scissors, Madam Speaker, these two Inuvialuit women chose to use their teeth. The picture in today's Drum shows them chomping at the ribbon. And to quote the Premier, "This is how we do things in the north." It was quite a funny event for all involved.

I would like to congratulate the board of directors of the new transition house, Jessie Colton and the staff who are working there, and the people of Inuvik, the town, the Inuvialuit, and the Gwich'in who have joined together to reorganize and restructure and manage this new home. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the old board of directors, the people who managed the home up to its closing last spring. Mahsi.

---Applause

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Yellowknife South, Mr. Whitford.

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Centre, Mr. Lewis.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Very often it is during the summer months when we are not sitting, that issues arise that MLAs have to deal with and don't have a forum to voice their public opinion. Even though since last February, there has been revealed a capital site development plan, it wasn't until the early summer that the residents of Yellowknife became fully aware of the impact the development plan could have on businesses and properties surrounding Frame Lake.

Madam Speaker, the concern I have today is the manner in which that plan was developed, especially the way in which very good friends of mine, people I have worked with for many years, were successful in blaming Members of this House for coming up with a wonderful, elaborate plan that suited their needs, but may not suit the citizens of Yellowknife.

Madam Speaker, I would like to make it a matter of record, that Members of this Assembly were not consulted on this development plan. It was something which was done within the bureaucracy and there never was a consultation process in which Members of this Chamber were asked their opinions as to whether we needed to have a site that extended twice the area of the Parliament of Canada. That caused considerable outrage to people in this city.

The point I want to make, Madam Speaker, is that it is very unusual that public servants can get away with blaming their masters for something that they never did. It never happened in my time -- 20 years of public service -- otherwise, you are down the road. But this happened this summer. It was a double heat for us. We took heat when we first decided, with great foresight, in my opinion, to build this place and then we had to take heat for someone else's decision about the way the whole thing would develop from there. I want to make it a public record that we were involved in the original design, but we were not involved in the development of the plan for the site. Thank you, Madam Speaker.

---Applause

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. The honourable Member for Yellowknife North, Mr. Ballantyne.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Today I rise to congratulate Chief Darrell Beaulieu of Ndilo, who was re-elected as chief. Chief Beaulieu is a very articulate and traditional leader of Treaty 8 Dene. At the same time, he is a very pragmatic and innovative chief in his own community of Ndilo.

I have had the pleasure of working closely with Chief Beaulieu for the last four years as chief, and for some years before that as councillor, also with Chief Sangris from Dettah and the Yellowknives Dene Band. The two chiefs and band deserve tremendous credit for the improvements in Ndilo and Dettah over the last decade. If one looks at those communities now and looked at them 10 years ago, you would see a tremendous improvement. The band deserves most of the credit for that.

As Members recognize, the band has been in an unfortunate situation of not being able to say exactly who is responsible. For services, the municipality has had problems because of the taxation regime. The federal government should be responsible, but they never had any money. Very innovative leadership on behalf of the Yellowknives Dene Band, working with the GNWT over the last decade, has allowed the people of Ndilo and Dettah to have a much better quality of life.

I wish the chief well and I am sure the chief will provide very strong and imaginative leadership for his people for many years to come. Thank you.

---Applause

Thank you. Item 3, Members' statements. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Minister of Transportation, Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I have a return to an oral question asked by Mr. Antoine on April 7, 1993 with respect to provision of financial assistance for Mackenzie Times.

In response to the honourable Member's question, I asked the deputy minister to meet with Mr. Mercredi to review his financial situation.

Considering the information that was available to us, it was clear that unless the Mackenzie Times could expand its revenue base and more tightly control expenditures, there was little chance of viability. Given the small market for the newspaper, there is little chance of expanding the revenue base. It would appear that Mr. Mercredi realizes this, as he has closed the paper and moved to Fort Smith. Thank you.

Thank you. Item 4, returns to oral questions. Item 6, oral questions. Pardon me, that is an oversight on my part. There is a new item on the agenda. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. The honourable Member for Iqaluit, Mr. Patterson.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. It gives me pleasure to introduce Ms. Cathy McGregor, director of the Baffin Divisional Board of Education. Thank you.

---Applause

Thank you. Item 5, recognition of visitors in the gallery. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Yellowknife North, Mr. Ballantyne.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I have a question for the Minister of Education. The question concerns the transfer of Sir John Franklin High School to School District No. 1. Madam Speaker, my understanding is there have been some very productive negotiations between the Minister's staff and the staff of School District No. 1. The district had some very understandable concerns, but it seems those concerns could be met. Is the agreement going to be signed soon? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Thank you. Minister of Education, Culture and Employment, Mr. Nerysoo.

No, Madam Speaker. The honourable Member may have information that I am not aware of, but we will not complete all the discussions including the matter of the staff probably until February 1995.

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Inuvik, Mr. Koe.

Mahsi, Madam Speaker. Madam Speaker, on September 26th, the Minister of Health for the Government of Canada wrote a press released titled, "National Strategy to Deal with Urgent Health Priorities of First Nations and Inuit." It is called, "Building Healthy Communities: A New Health Care Strategy For First Nations and Inuit." My question to the Minister of Health is, is the GNWT a partner in this new strategy?

Thank you. Minister of Health, Madam Premier.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The specific initiative is under discussion at the federal/provincial discussions and, yes, we are part of those discussions. Thank you.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Koe.

Mahsi. What involvement have our communities, regions and health boards had in the designing of this program?

Minister of Health, Madam Premier.

Madam Speaker, I would be prepared to provide that information in a little more detail to the Member. I don't have it right now. I think the discussions and involvement from health board to health board varies. I will provide that information to the Member.

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. Supplementary, Mr. Koe.

In the press release, which I will be tabling later, it says it is a five-year, $243 million strategy. I am just curious how and when groups in the Northwest Territories can access some of this money?

Thank you. Minister of Health, Madam Premier.

Madam Speaker, as I indicated, I will provide that information. Thank you.

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Baffin South, Mr. Pudlat.

(Translation) Thank you, Madam Speaker. I have a question for the Minister of the Power Corporation. Is the department working with the people of Cape Dorset to move the power plant in the community and what stage are they at right now? Thank you.

Thank you. Minister responsible for the Power Corporation, Madam Premier.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. As the Member is aware, we have been working over the last two years with the community of Cape Dorset on the issue of providing secure power for the community. The Member is also aware that the community wants to have the power plant moved. In the assessment of the power plant, the indications from all assessments are that the moving of the power plant is not necessary at this time and that renovations would be more cost-effective.

We have another engine and we are trying to reach agreement with the community on a process to install it for this winter. It would appear that if we don't do that, then the security of power will be limited. The present system does not meet the requirements of this winter. The Power Corporation did meet with the hamlet council on September 9th in an attempt to finally resolve this situation. The Power Corporation requested a development permit to connect the modular unit. The community did not want us to connect this because this would prejudice the possibility of having a new plant in another location.

At the September 9th meeting and at previous meetings, the hamlet was advised that a new plant would cost $5 million and the modular unit, which would take care of the power needs of the community, would be approximately $1 million. At this point in time, keeping in mind the policies and procedure for permitting the development of new plants, the Power Corporation felt they could not justify a new plant construction. Since the September 9th meeting, the Power Corporation advised the hamlet that if the modular unit could not be connected, then the 270 kilowatt unit in the existing plant would be removed and a 720 kilowatt engine, contained in the module, would be installed in the plant. Installing the 720 kilowatt unit does not require a development permit.

The community felt they did not want to allow a development permit, in hopes that would force a new plant to be built. However, the Power Corporation has indicated that they would, in any eventuality, move the 720 kilowatt unit into the old plant. The Power Corporation is presently still awaiting a decision from the hamlet council. We had hoped that they would respond by the end of September, but they haven't to this date. The Power Corporation's preferred course of action is to upgrade the existing plant and to factor community concerns into the design, such as noise. This proposal will meet the load requirements, the current regulatory standards, and provide the least power costs.

As I have said, the community is opposed to this approach and the corporation is concerned that, in accepting the community's request, the Public Utilities Board will reject the cost premium, in which case the corporation will bear the costs. The corporation is currently considering a demand site management initiative that may delay the need for an upgrade based on capacity criteria. Also, the corporation is exploring the potential for residual waste heat use as an incentive to remain on the site.

We are still in dispute and uncertain whether the community will consent and give approval for us to attach the unit which is required for the stabilization of power needs for this winter. However, the units are there and can be quickly installed. Thank you.

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Iqaluit, Mr. Patterson.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I would like to ask the Minister responsible for Education, Culture and Employment a little bit more about his statement today. Madam Speaker, the statement refers to the new federal government paper, Creating Choices: Solving the Income Support Puzzle. I would like to ask the Minister what role he and his staff might have had in giving input or providing advice about the content of this federal paper. I know they have been meeting extensively during the past year about this issue with Mr. Axworthy and colleagues. Thank you.

Thank you. Minister of Education, Mr. Nerysoo.

Thank you. If I'm correct, the honourable Member is quoting the title for a document that we actually developed. It is a consultation document that the government has sent out to the communities to get their advice on the whole matter of income reform and social program reform so that we ensure we get the advice of northern people in northern communities.

With regard to our involvement, this matter has been on the agenda of the Ministers of Education and Labour for the last year. We have been advising and discussing the issue of income and social program reform with the view that we would not be absent from any discussions of reform that would occur. In many respects, the provinces and the territories have indicated to the federal government that it was not our view that they should proceed with any reforms without our direct participation in the discussion.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Patterson.

Madam Speaker, thank you. I have heard the consultation process initiated by Mr. Axworthy, extensive consultations planned in the coming year compared to the Charlottetown Accord process. I hope it doesn't have that result. I know the Minister has invited the standing committee to visit the north and hear about our unique needs and I know we have, for example, a smaller proportion of people on UIC than the rest of the country.

I'd like to ask the Minister of Education, Madam Speaker, is it the Minister's hope that people in the Northwest Territories and our government can carve out a unique niche for ourselves based on our unique circumstances so that we can make appropriate arrangements in the north to respond to these federal reform initiatives? Thank you.

Minister of Education, Mr. Nerysoo.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Yes.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Patterson.

Madam Speaker, I heard reported on the news this morning that the Minister of State, the Honourable Ethel Blondin was given specific responsibilities by Mr. Axworthy for consulting with aboriginal peoples in the social security reform. I'd like to ask our Minister of Education since we have a majority of aboriginal people in the Northwest Territories, but since social services are largely delivered by the public government, who is it we are going to be dealing with in the federal government as far as consultations on social security reform? Is it Mr. Axworthy or Ms. Blondin? Thank you, Madam Speaker.

Minister of Education, Mr. Nerysoo.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The Minister who is in charge of the income reform generally is Mr. Axworthy who we have been dealing with directly. Ms. Ethel Blondin-Andrew has been assigned specific responsibilities particularly with regard to pathways to find a solution in that particular area. We have raised a concern about the manner in which that particular program is being administered in the north and have advised Mr. Axworthy with regard to our concern. Both Ministers are involved, but Mr Axworthy is the lead Minister in this particular area.

---Applause

Thank you. Final Supplementary, Mr. Patterson.

Madam Speaker, I have heard criticism of the federal Minister's paper, that it consists of a number of generalities rather than specific proposals. I'd like to ask our Minister, Madam Speaker, his consultation process which has begun with the release of the paper, Creating Choices; is that designed to lead to specific concrete proposals which we could then present to the federal government in contrast to the generalities? Thank you.

Minister of Education, Mr. Nerysoo.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Yes. It is intended to do that. It is intended to give, as the honourable Member has indicated, a northern perspective on solving this particular problem. In my view, I think we're leading, in many respects, across the country from some of the initiatives we've undertaken. I think what you'll find is that the people of the north will be more responsive and more supportive in terms of trying to reorganize the income support programs so that it makes people in the communities more productive and more responsive in contributing to their community.

---Applause

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Kitikmeot, Mr. Ng.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. My question is to the Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation. I'd like to ask the Minister if he will commit to addressing the needs of the residents of Bathurst Inlet with regard to their housing?

---Applause

Thank you. Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation, Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I will make a commitment to work with the Member to help solve the housing problems in that area. Thank you.

---Applause

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Ng.

Thank you. I'd like to ask will he attempt to address the issue before the matter of the sea lift next year?

Thank you. Minister responsible for the Housing Corporation, Mr. Morin.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I will work with the Member to try to address the issue prior to the sea lift next year. Thank you.

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Yellowknife Frame Lake, Mr. Dent.

Thank you. Minister of Health and Social Services, Ms. Cournoyea.

Madam Speaker, the plan to the extent we've done, has been completed but it hasn't gone through the process at this time for consideration at Cabinet. Thank you.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Dent.

Consolidation Of H&SS

Thank you. Minister of Health and Social Services, Ms. Cournoyea.

Madam Speaker, I believe that when we're sitting at the Legislative Assembly, our normal Cabinet days are Thursdays, however if there is time or if we get a heavy agenda, we generally meet as time permits. But at this time, the plan is to do and make the presentation next Thursday.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr Dent.

Thank you. Minister of Health and Social Services, Ms. Cournoyea.

Madam Speaker, I'll consider that question because I have not thought whether it will be an internal document, public document or a document. I would assume, once it's complete and once it gets a stamp of approval, that certainly those types of reorganization could be made available. Thank you.

Thank you. Item 6, oral questions. The honourable Member for Nahendeh, Mr. Antoine.

Mahsi, Madam Speaker. My question is for the Minister responsible for Transportation. We have been made aware that there are negotiations between the federal government and the territorial government with regard to the transfer of Arctic A airports. I'd like to ask the Minister responsible for the department what the status of negotiations is. Thank you.

Thank you. Minister of Transportation, Mr. Todd.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. The negotiations with Transport Canada at the current time are close to completion. We're hoping that they'll be concluded over the next few weeks. However, the recent announcement by the Federal Minister of Transportation with respect to a national airport policy has signalled a somewhat tougher approach that the federal government wants to take with respect to base funding. We're optimistic that we can come to a successful agreement in the next three, four or five weeks and meet the deadline of hopefully April 1, 1995 as we outlined to the Standing Committee on Finance, I believe. However, if we do fail with the negotiations, we believe that given the current position of the federal government, there'll be a significant downgrading, if you want, with respect to Arctic A airports. We're on the optimistic side. We hope that we can conclude an arrangement within the next three or four weeks, then move forward and they'll schedule to transfer the responsibility effective April 1st.

However, on the other side with the statements made by the federal government with respect to looking for cuts and savings, we're a little apprehensive at this time. So it's kind of a double-edged sword. Thank you.

Thank you. Supplementary, Mr. Antoine.

Mahsi, Madam Speaker. Supplementary to the same Minister. The Minister indicated there will be significant downgrading if they are not successful in their negotiation. Is it possible for the Minister at this time to explain to the House what he means by this significant downgrading of the Arctic A airports? Thank you.

Thank you. Minister of Transportation, Mr. Todd.

I don't have the specifics, but, in general, the federal Minister has made it clear that he's going to reduce his department by close to 70 per cent over the next five years. So with those kinds of public, political statements being made, we have to assume that there's going to be a significant decrease in the level of service if he's going to cut his department by 70 per cent. In fact, I just came from a meeting in Winnipeg yesterday and he said exactly the same thing.

Now when we started these negotiations for Arctic A airports, that was two years ago. The departments tend to think it's good management, I tend to think it's a little bit of luck. The fact is that we started two years ago to establish the level and the base in terms of the dollars and the services that we require.

As I said, we are optimistic that we can secure a deal. Of course, we would have to go back to Cabinet and get its approval. However, on the other side of the coin, if we don't, given the Minister's statement, we're anticipating a significant reduction in the level of service. I would suggest, in particular, in the Cambridge Bay, Iqaluit, Resolute, Fort Smith, Fort Simpson and Hay River areas. But at this time, my optimistic side says we can make a deal, and hopefully in the next two or three weeks, perhaps even before the end of this session we might be able to at least say we have the framework for concluding a successful transfer of Arctic A airports. Thank you.